Arthur Richardson

Chief Executive

Arthur Richardson brings an impressive track record in the electrical and automotive industries to the role of Director of SWMAS.

He joins SWMAS from his post as a director and general manager at ArvinMeritor, formerly Lucas Varity, a heavy vehicle brake system company which employs 900 staff.

After leaving Nottingham University with a BSc (Hons) in Production Engineering and Management, Arthur began a 30-year career in manufacturing as a student apprentice with AEI in Rugby. He then became a manufacturing engineer at GEC Machines Company, where he spent almost a decade, attaining the position of factory manager before taking a job as senior manager at Rubber Processing Michelin at Clermont Ferrand in France.

In 1984 Arthur became plant manager at the Burnley base of Michelin’s rubber extrusion operation, where achievements included increased production capacity (50%), efficiency (20%) and reduced scrap and recycling (50%).

A six-year spell as manufacturing director with Isle of Man-based Strix Ltd., which specialises in the production of electromechanical safety controls for the domestic appliance industry, was followed by a move to Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Ltd. Here Arthur was responsible for managing five assembly and four component manufacturing modules.

Arthur has been with Arvin Meritor since 1994, accountable for delivering a £100 million sales turnover. He has been responsible for the continuous improvement of customer service, quality, cost and the project management of new product, process and system management. He helped achieve the successful sale of the division and its integration into a global automotive component corporation, followed by a major capital investment programme and step change in productivity.

A fluent French speaker, Japanese-born Arthur enjoys classic cars, cycling, skiing, woodwork and jazz.